Human Trafficking

What is Human Trafficking?

Millions of people are trafficked every year around the world, including in Australia. Human trafficking can happen to anyone, regardless of race, gender, nationality, or age.

Human trafficking is a serious problem because it takes away people's freedom and safety. Understanding human trafficking is important to protect yourself and others. By knowing your rights and seeking support, you can help end this crime and find safety.

In Australia you have the right to:

• You have the right to be free and safe.
• Human trafficking is never your fault.
• Help is available, and you are not alone.

How Does Human Trafficking Happen?

Human traffickers use force, fraud, blackmail, deception, or coercion to control people. They recruit, transport, or receive people to exploit them for profit. This can include forced labour or commercial sex and can happen within the same country.

Modern Slavery in Australia

In Australia, the term modern slavery covers various forms of exploitation, including:

• Human Trafficking: Moving people to exploit them.
• Slavery: Owning and controlling someone as property.
• Forced Labour: Making someone work against their will.
• Servitude: Forcing someone to work and live in poor conditions.
• Sexual Exploitation: Forcing someone into commercial sex acts.
• Debt Bondage: Forcing someone to work to pay off a debt.
• Forced Marriage: Marrying someone against their will.
• Deceptive Recruitment: Tricking someone into a job that is not what they were promised.
• Child Labour: Making children work in harmful conditions.

All these practices take away a person’s freedom and control over their life.

Why is Human Trafficking Underreported?

Human trafficking is often hidden and not reported. According to Anti-Slavery Australia, only 1 in 5 victims of modern slavery are identified. This means 80% of victims do not get help.

Victims face barriers to reporting, such as:

• Language Barriers: Difficulty communicating in English.
• Fear of Traffickers: Being scared of the people who control them.
• Fear of Authorities: Not trusting law enforcement.
• Fear of Deportation: Worrying they will be sent out of the country.
• Threats to Family: Worrying about the safety of their family.

Getting Help

Currently, eligibility for the Support for Trafficked People Program is determined by:

• The Australian Federal Police. To report or discuss a concern, call the Australian Federal Police on 131 AFP (131 237) or make a report online.
• The Salvation Army. You can contact the Salvation Army on 1800 000 277 or visit their website.

You can also contact the Support for Trafficked People Program on 03 9345 1800 or at national_STPP@redcross.org.au

The Australian Red Cross has developed resources in your language that can help you understand modern slavery.

For more information and support, visit our Support Services Page.